Controversy At UFC 235 After Jon Jones Illegal Knee On Anthony Smith

Things got out of hand at UFC 235 during Jon Jones and Anthony Smith championship bout at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas last Saturday.

Jon Jones controversially retains the title at UFC 235

UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones retained his belt defeating Anthony Smith on points. Dozens of punches, elbows and kicks peppered Smith as he struggled to make an impact. After five rounds of fast-paced back-and-forth action, the 31-year-old won in a unanimous decision (48-44) after five rounds.

Controversy surrounds illegal knee

Despite an easy road to victory, Jon Jones threw a controversial illegal knee to Anthony Smith’s head in the 5th round which put the fight in jeopardy. Had Smith not been able to continue due to the damage of the blow, Jones would have been disqualified and Anthony ‘Lionheart’ Smith would have become champion via disqualification. However, 30-year-old Smith honourably said he was able to continue and eventually lost the fight, post event stating “he didn’t want to win like that”. Referee Herb Dean came under heavy criticism for not intervening in the incident.

25th win in UFC

Jon Jones’s victorious streak continues, with 25 wins on his record. He gave Anthony Smith credit after winning the recent match, saying, “Hats off to Anthony Smith. His reputation is to be so durable. Now I see why they call him ‘Lionheart.’ I have never had anyone talk to me while I’m hitting him. This guy is so durable. He’s like the Terminator. You’ve done a great, great job. You’re a gentleman, bro. It has been an honour to fight you and refreshing not to talk *** back and forth.”